Swiss festival to showcase North African rhythms to world

NYON, Switzerland (MNTV) – One of Europe’s most celebrated music events, the Paléo Festival in Switzerland, will put the spotlight on the diverse and vibrant musical traditions of North Africa at its Village du Monde stage.

The festival, scheduled to take place from July 22 to 27, 2025, in the lakeside town of Nyon, will bring together a lineup of renowned artists from the Maghreb region—comprising Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia—offering festival goers an immersive experience into the rich soundscape of this historically and culturally significant area.

With its deep-rooted traditions and dynamic contemporary scene, North African music has long influenced global genres, and this year’s Village du Monde aims to introduce audiences to its many facets.

The event will feature both traditional and modern interpretations of music from the region, blending ancient melodies, rhythmic storytelling, and cutting-edge urban beats.

One of the standout performers at the festival will be Moroccan rapper ElGrandeToto, a leading figure in the urban music movement, known for his energetic performances and sharp lyricism in Darija (Moroccan Arabic).

His ability to seamlessly fuse hip-hop with North African musical elements has earned him a massive following, making him one of the most streamed artists in the Arab world. His appearance at the festival is expected to bring a powerful and contemporary edge to the event.

Adding to the diverse lineup is Swiss-Moroccan singer and musician Sami Galbi, whose performances capture the exhilarating atmosphere of a North African wedding.

His dynamic stage presence sees him switch effortlessly between being a singer, dancer, and percussionist, creating an immersive experience for the audience. Galbi’s music is a fusion of traditional Raï and Chaâbi rhythms infused with modern influences and a touch of humor, offering a refreshing take on North African folk music.

In addition to showcasing modern interpretations of North African music, the festival will also celebrate the region’s deeply rooted musical heritage. Performances of Gnawa, Chaâbi, and Amazigh styles will provide a journey through centuries-old traditions, allowing audiences to experience the region’s musical ancestry.

A highlight of this segment is Aïta Mon Amour, a project led by Moroccan artists Widad Mjama and Khalil Epi, which aims to revive the oral traditions of the Chikhates—female itinerant singers and storytellers whose performances have historically been a form of both entertainment and resistance.

Their performance at the festival will blend ancient narratives with contemporary electronic music, creating a modern homage to Morocco’s storytelling legacy.

North African Identity

Another must-see act is Tasuta N-Imal, a six-member band from the village of Slilou in southeastern Morocco. The name of the group translates to “future generation” in the Amazigh language, reflecting their mission to preserve and promote the history, values, and traditions of their indigenous community.

Their music, characterized by groovy riffs and deep-rooted desert blues, conveys messages of solidarity, love, and peace, offering a soulful and introspective take on North African identity.

Expanding the festival’s musical exploration beyond the Maghreb, the Marseille-based trio Zar Elektrik will bring a reimagined version of the ancient Zar ritual, a trance-inducing musical tradition that originated in Egypt and Ethiopia.

The group, featuring Moroccan artist Anass Zine, incorporates the deep, resonant sounds of traditional instruments such as the Oud and Gumbri, blending them with electronic elements to create a soundscape that bridges ancient spiritual practices and modern electronic music.

Meanwhile, Bab L’Bluz, an electrifying band led by Moroccan singer Yousra Mansour and French multi-instrumentalist Brice Bottin, will take audiences on a sonic journey that fuses Gnawa and Chaâbi rhythms with psychedelic rock. Known for their use of electric Guembris—a traditional Gnawa instrument—their music carries the unmistakable echoes of the Moroccan desert while embracing a progressive, high-energy style that resonates with contemporary global audiences.

The Paléo Festival’s Village du Monde stage has long been dedicated to exploring global musical traditions, and this year’s focus on North Africa is set to offer a rich, multidimensional experience.

With a lineup that seamlessly blends tradition and innovation, the event will serve as both a celebration of North African artistry and a bridge between cultures, introducing international audiences to the captivating and ever-evolving sounds of the region.